Spraying system

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an improved spraying system for spraying fluid chemicals. The improved spraying system includes a supply means for containing a supply of fluid chemicals and a series of spraying heads for spraying chemicals on foliage or a crop to be sprayed. Each of the spraying heads includes an annular diffusion member and a rotatable impeller means for developing a uniform blast of directed air pressure over the outer surface of the diffusion member. A dispensing nozzle is operatively associated with each of the spraying heads for dispensing a quantity of fluid chemicals into the diffusion member to be directed by centrifugal force out through the diffusion member into the blast of air. The dispensing nozzles are coaxially mounted and extend through the rotatably driven impeller means. A supply pump is operatively associated with the supply means and the dispensing nozzles for delivering a supply of fluid chemicals under pressure to the dispensing nozzles. A hydraulically driven motor means is operatively associated with each of the spraying heads and includes a driving gear coaxially mounted relative to the dispensing nozzle, the diffusion member and the rotatable impeller means. A hydraulic pump means is operatively associated with the motor means for delivering hydraulic fluid under pressure for operation of the motor means. The improved spraying system is designed for being utilized on a plurality of supporting vehicle frameworks. One of the supporting vehicles includes a trailer having a movably mounted boom for supporting a series of the spraying heads for movement in a vertical plane between operative and inoperative positions. A second supporting means includes a framework having connectable members which will permit the framework to be connected to conventional three point hitch provided on a supporting vehicle. A third type of supporting framework includes a transverse mast having a pair of laterally extending booms which are adapted to be swung about vertical axis from laterally extending positions to fore and aft positions. Each of the laterally extending booms is detailed for supporting at least one spraying head.

tet

[is] 3,655,130 [45] Ar.i1,l972

[54] SPRAYING SYSTEM [72] Inventor: Keith H. Patrick, Montgomery, Ala.

[73] Assignee: Ring Around Products, Inc. [22] Filed: June 4, 1970 [21]Appl. No.: 43,352

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No.686,425, Nov. 28,

1967, Pat. No. 3,552,650.

[52] U.S. CI ..239/77, 239/127, 239/142, 239/168, 239/172, 239/216,239/222, 261/88 [51] lnt.Cl ..B05b 3/12 [58] Field of Search ..239/7, 8,77, 78, 124,127, 239/142, 160, 162, 172, 176, 167, 168, 222, 216,223,224,567, 168; 261/30, 88

{56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,979,269 4/1961 Bals..239/222 X 3,472,454 10/1969 Blue et a1... ..239/77 1,725,581 8/1929Hendricks. ..239/142 X 3,507,336 4/1970 Nelson 239/191 X 2,910,24510/1959 Burroughs ..239/167 2,939,636 6/1960 Mullin 239/216 X 3,341,1269/1967 Fish ..239/78 3,398,893 8/1968 Missimer et al.... ..239/773,552,650 l/l971 Patrick ..239/216 X Primary ExaminerM. Henson Wood, Jr.Assistant ExaminerMichael Y. Mar

[5 7] ABSTRACT This invention relates to an improved spraying system forspraying fluid chemicals. The improved spraying system includes a supplymeans for containing a supply of fluid chemicals and a series ofspraying heads for spraying chemicals on foliage or a crop to besprayed. Each of the spraying heads includes an annular diffusion memberand a rotatable impeller means for developing a uniform blast ofdirected air pressure over the outer surface of the diffusion member. Adispensing nozzle is operatively associated with each of the sprayingheads for dispensing a quantity of fluid chemicals into the diffusionmember to be directed by centrifugal force out through the diffusionmember into the blast of air. The dispensing nozzles are coaxiallymounted and extend through the rotatably driven impeller means. A supplypump is operatively associated with the supply means and the dispensingnozzles for delivering a supply of fluid chemicals under pressure to thedispensing nozzles. A hydraulically driven motor means is operativelyassociated with each of the spraying heads and includes a driving gearcoaxially mounted relative to the dispensing nozzle, the diffusionmember and the rotatable impeller means. A hydraulic pump means isoperatively associated with the motor means for delivering hydraulicfluid under pressure for operation of the motor means. The improvedspraying system is designed for being utilized on a plurality ofsupporting vehicle frameworks. One of the supporting vehicles includes atrailer having a movably mounted boom for supporting a series of thespraying heads for movement in a vertical plane between operative andinoperative positions. A second supporting means includes a frameworkhaving connectable members which will permit the framework to beconnected to conventional three point hitch provided on a supportingvehicle. A third type of supporting framework includes a transverse masthaving a pair of laterally extending booms which are adapted to be swungabout vertical axis from laterally extending positions to fore and aftpositions. Each of the laterally extending booms is detailed forsupporting at least one spraying head.

23 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures Patented April 11, 1972 10 Sheets-Sheet lATTORNEYS Patented April 11, 1972 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

Patented April 11, 1972 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 3

- Patented April 11, 1972 10 Sheets-Sheet 4.

Patented April 11, 1972 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. IO

, Patnted A ril 11, 1972 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Ir) I!) rFIG. I3

FIG. I4

Patented April 11, 1972 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 FIG. I5

v Patented April 11, 1972 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 FIG. I7

SPRAYING SYSTEM REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is acontinuation-in-part of a co-pending application Ser. No. 686,425 filedNov. 28, 1967, now US. Pat. No. 3,552,650 for a Fluid DispensingMechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past, various instruments have beendevised for dividing liquids and for distribution of the same overrelative wide areas. Such devices have found wide application increating fogs for the destruction of various pests such as mosquitos,flies, boll weevil insects, fungi and bacteria. Such instruments mayalso be advisable in distributing liquid fertilizers.

The prior art devices have either distributed relative large volumes ofliquid or have been relatively complicated and expensive. One suchmechanism involved the generation of high temperature gases which passat high velocity through a nozzle and entrain the liquid so that theliquid is also discharged at a high velocity from the nozzle. Of coursein finely dividing the liquid and subjecting it to the relatively hightemperatures, there may be a breakdown of the chemicals in the liquid tobe dispensed; Therefore, while such mechanisms are quite effective indischarging relatively large volumes of liquid, their uses may belimited especially when organic halogens are to be dispensed or where asmall quantity of liquid per acre is to be dispensed.

Other types of prior art liquid spraying mechanisms have been used, andsome have attempted to discharge low and ultra low volumes of finelydivided liquids. Such machines known as the Fischer and Hahn machines,employ the carburetor principal using a large volume of compressed airat low pressure. Another type of machine is known as the John Blumachine and works on the principal of blowing a large volume of airacross spray nozzles which discharge fine sprays into the blast of air.

Various liquids, such as liquid fertilizers, which may be dispensed withsuch mechanisms, are quite corrosive and therefore, may attack themechanisms, particularly where small orifices are involved. Therefore,maintenance of such prior-art devices is a major factor and is at timesexpensive.

Spraying systems as above identified usually employ various structuralframework for supporting the spray heads in position for effecting aspraying operation. However, most of the priorart supporting frameworkswere extremely heavy, complicated in their construction and unreliablein operation. Further, in the prior art devices which utilize arotatable impeller means for developing directed streams of airpressure, the drive means for effecting rotation of the rotatableimpeller means was often complex in nature which created extensiveservice and repair problems.

In the supporting means provided in the prior art spraying device, thespraying heads would usually be supported at a remote distance from theobjects to be sprayed especially in groves and orchards and the locationof the prior art spray heads did not permit the spray material to bereleased in proper relationship to the foliage to insure a sufficientapplication thereof.

Most of the prior art spraying apparatus did not include means foradequately controlling the application rate of the fluid chemicals to besprayed. Thus, such spraying devices would not be suitable for use in avariety of chemicals to be applied to various types of crops or foliage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present machine is different both instructure and 5 preferably a hydraulic motor, which rotates an impellerand annular perforated member. The annular member is a symmetricalhousing, the surface of which is formed by a screen of perforated web.The liquid to be dispensed is passed by a central dispensing nozzlethrough the interior of the motor and is discharged into the centralinterior of the annular member, as the annular member is rotated aboutits axis such that the liquid will be directed by centrifugal force outthrough the annular perforated member. Circumferentially spaced bladesproject in radial directions from the annular member so that, as thehousing is rotated, the blades create an upwardly diverging uniformdischarge of air which passes over the peripheral surface of the screen.

The nozzle is detailed in construction to include a series of orificeswhich will direct the fluid chemicals downwardly in a direction towardthe rotatable impeller means and passing eventually through theperipheral screen which forms a secondary diffuser and also acts as anaccelerator which carries the liquid into an orbital path at such avelocity that the liquid, in fine droplet form, is slung by centrifugalforce radially into the air blast. By controlling the speed of rotation,the particle size of the liquid is controlled and by controlling theamount of liquid passing through the nozzle the volume discharge ratemay be varied as desired. Indeed, quite small volumes of liquid can beadequately entrained in quite large volumes of air and distributed overlarge areas.

The improved spraying system of the present invention includes basicallythree types of support means for supporting the series of spraying headsin positions to effect a spraying operation of fluid chemicals at aproper location relative to the crops or foliage to be sprayed. Thefirst type of support system includes a trailing type vehicle supportedon a pair of wheels and includes a boom structure containing a series ofspraying heads. The boom structure is pivotally mounted for movement ina vertical plane between an operative position to an inoperativeposition. The second type of support frame means includes a frameworkfor supporting a supply tank and having connectable elements which aredetailed to be connected to conventional three point connections on asupporting vehicle. The supporting means for the second type of sprayingsystem includes a framework for supporting a series of spraying heads ata series of selectively adjustable spraying positions. The third type ofsupport means includes a supporting mast having a pair of laterallyextending boom means for supporting a series of spraying heads. Thesupporting mast includes connectable means adaptable to be connected toconventional Hy-Boy type support vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is a primary object of this invention toprovide a spraying system which is capable of distributing a very, verysmall quantity of liquid over a large area.

Another object of this invention is to provide a liquid spray- .ingmeans in which the particle size of the spraying liquid may be readilyand easily varied.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a liquid sprayingmechanism which would evenly and finely divide liquid and entrain it ina flow of air so that the liquid may be deposited over a relatively widearea.

A further object of this invention is to provide a liquid sprayingsystem which may be readily and easily arranged to operate inconjunction with other similar mechanisms.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a liquid sprayingsystem which consists of a series of liquid spraying means operative inconjunction with each other to discharge liquid in a finely divided formover a relatively wide area.

Another object of this invention is to provide a liquid spraying systemin which both the particle size and the rate at which the liquid issprayed may be varied independently of each other.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a liquid sprayingsystem which may be readily and easily disassembled and reassembled forcleaning purposes.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a spraying headfor use in a spraying system which is simple in construction, economicalto manufacture and reliable in operatron.

A further object of this invention is to provide a spraying systemincluding a series of spraying heads for dispensing a chemical liquid tobe sprayed over a wide area.

A still further object of this invention is to provide supporting meansfor supporting the spraying system and for handling a series of sprayingheads.

Another object of this invention is to provide a spraying system whichis easily adapted to be utilized in various vehicular support means foradapting the spraying system to a wide variety of operations.

Another object of this invention is to provide a series of sprayingheads which are supported for movement between an operating andinoperating position.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a spraying systemhaving a hydraulic control drive means for the spraying heads.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a spraying systemhaving a supporting framework wherein the supporting framework includeshydraulic supply conduits as an integral part of the structuralreinforcing framework wherein the supply conduits are adapted to delivera supply of hydraulic pressure to hydraulic motor means.

These and other objects and advantages and the details of constructionof the invention will become apparent after reading the accompanyingdescription of the illustrated embodiments of the invention withreference to the attached drawings wherein like reference charactershave been used to refer to like parts throughout the several figures andwherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a right frontperspective view of the spraying system supported on a trailer typesupport vehicle, with certain parts broken away and shown in section andcertain parts being omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 2 is a right rear perspective view of the spraying system andsupport vehicle as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the fluid flow lines of the chemicalsupply system and the hydraulic supply system;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the spray headboom support structure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the spraying head;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the hydraulic motor drivemeans shown in FIG. 5, drawn on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially midway throughone of the spraying heads;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged elevational view of the chemical dispensing nozzleshown in FIG. 7, with portions thereof broken away an shown in sectionfor purposes of clarity;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along lines 9-9of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a left rear perspective view of the spraying system supportedon a modified support framework;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the spray head supportframework shown in FIG. 10 with certain parts being omitted and certainparts shown broken away and in section for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 12 is a right front perspective view of the spraying system andsupport framework shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view taken longitudinally through thechemical supply tank shown in FIGS. 10 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the flow diagram for the chemical supplymeans and the hydraulic supply means of the spraying system illustratedin FIGS. 10-13;

FIG. 15 is a left front perspective view of a modified form of asupporting means for supporting the spraying system, with certain partsbeing omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view as seen from theleft front of FIG. 15, with certain parts being broken away and certainparts being shown in section for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the fluid flow lines of the sprayingsystem illustrated in the modified support framework of FIGS. 15 and 16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS GENERAL DESCRIPTIONReferring now particular to FIGS. 1 4 of the drawings, one illustrativeembodiment of the invention will be described with reference to a spraysystem supporting means 10, including a trailer supporting vehicle; achemical supply means including a supply tank 50 and a supply pump means55; and a spraying means consisting of a spray head support means 100, aspray head 110 and a spray head drive means 200.

The vehicle supporting means 10 is utilized to provide a support for aspraying system including the chemical supply tank 50. The trailer 10 isadapted to be drawn over an area in which the fluid is to be sprayed byconventional tractor means. The spraying system includes a series ofspraying heads 110 which are mounted on a spray head supporting boom100. The spray head support boom is pivotally attached to the vehiclesupport means 10 for pivotal movement from an operative substantiallyvertical position to an inoperative substantially horizontal position.Each of the spraying heads includes a fluid dispensing means, animpeller means and an annular diffusion member, with a fluid drive meansfor effecting rotation of said impeller means and diffusion member.Power for supplying pressure to the fluid drive means and for deliveringfluid chemicals under pressure is effected by means of a conventionalpower take-off means from a tractor which is adapted to two the trailersupport vehicle 10. The details of each of the above mechanisms will bedescribed herein below.

TRAILER SUPPORT MEANS As shown in FIG. I, the trailer support meansincludes a trailer 10 having a pair of wheel support means ll, 12rotatably mounted by conventional means (not shown) on opposite ends ofa transverse axial housing 13. The trailer support framework includes apair of fore and aft runners 14, 15 which are supported in laterallyspaced parallel relationship on the axial housing 13. A pair of tanksupporting cross members 16, 17 includes a convex shaped recess portion18 detailed for receiving a supply tank to be supported thereon. Asshown in FIG. I, a supply tank is adapted to rest in the convex recessportions 18 on the two cross support members l6, l7 and between the foreand aft runners 14, 15. The supply tank is maintained in position on thecross supporting members by a pair of tank retaining bands 19. Theretaining bands are detailed in design to be placed around the supplytank with the bands 19 having opposite threaded ends 20, 21 which areinserted through openings in an extended end of each of the crossconnecting frame members 16, 17. The opposite threaded ends 20, 21 ofthe bands 19 are detailed for receiving complimentary threadedconnecting elements 23 which when threaded thereon are detailed fortightening the bands around the supply tank to hold the tank in positionon the trailer 10.

The trailer support vehicle 10 is adapted to be connected to aconventional tractor power means (not shown) by means of a draft means24. The draft means 24 includes fore and aft tongue member 25 whichextends forwardly from the forward tank support member 17. The forwardend of the tongue 25 terminates in a connectable hitch means 26 which isdetailed for receiving a conventional connecting pin for connecting thetrailer to a conventional towing vehicle. The draft means 24 includes apair of rearwardly diverging brace members 27, 28 which extend fromadjacent the tongue 25 to a opposite edge portion of the axial housing13. The trailer support vehicle 10 including the fore and aft runnersl4, l5 cross members 16, 17 and draft members 24, 25 are constructed ofsubstantially rectangularly shaped tubular metal stock members which arewelded together at their connecting points by conventional welding means(not shown).

As shown in FIG. 4, the trailer support vehicle 10 includes a spray boomsupport means 29. The spray boom support means 29 is supported on across connecting member 30 which is connected to a rearwardly extendedend of the fore and aft trailer runner members 14, 15. A verticallyextending member 31 is connected to the cross support member 30 at aposition substantially centrally spaced between the opposite ends of thecross connecting member 30. The vertically extending member 31 extendsupwardly and terminates into a first end of a forwarding extendinghorizontal member 32. The horizontal extending member 32 is fixed insubstantially parallel relationship to the trailer fore and aft runnermembers 14, and is located at a position spaced above the supply tank.The forward end of the forwardly extending horizontal member 32terminates in a downwardly angle portion 33 which has its forwardextending end 34 connected to the draft tongue member 25.

Referring now again to FIG. 4, the boom support means includes two bracemembers 35, 36 which are connected to the opposite entended ends of thecross member 30 and extend upwardly in converging relationship andterminate at a position adjacent the top of the vertical extended member31. The two upwardly converging brace members 35, 36 are connected byconventional means such as welding to the vertical extended member 31.Fixed to the boom support means at a position adjacent the top of thevertically extended member 31 are a pair of bracket members 37, 38 whichare detailed for receiving a boom pivot support means. Each of thebrackets 37, 38 includes an aligned opening 39 for receiving a pivotpin. Fixed to the forwardly extending horizontal member 32 at aforwardly spaced location from the pair of boom support brackets is apair of brackets 40. The upwardly extended end of the brackets 40includes aligned openings 41 for receiving locking pin 42. The lockingpin 42 is attached to the forwardly extending member 32 by means of aflexible chain element 43. The locking pin 42 and brackets 40 withopenings 41 are detailed for maintaining and locking a spraying headsupport boom in an inoperative position, as will be described in moredetail herein below.

As shown in FIG. 4, the vertically extended member 31 of the boomsupport means includes an opening 44. The opening 44 is located on thevertically support member 31 substantially midway thereof and isdetailed for receiving a locking pin 45 for locking the spraying boom inan operative position as will be described herein below. The locking pin45 is attached to the vertical support member 31 by a flexible chainmeans 46.

The function of the vehicular support means is to provide a supportedvehicle whereby the spraying system maybe towed over an area in whichthe fluid chemicals are to be sprayed. Further, the supported vehicle isdesigned to provide a boom support means for supporting a series ofspraying heads whereby the boom can be moved from an operative to aninoperative position.

CHEMICAL SUPPLY MEANS As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the chemical supplymeans includes an elongated cylindrical tank means 50 having oppositeclosed ends. The supply tank is provided with an internal wall dividermember 58 located at a position spaced slightly rearward of the forwardwall, as shown in FIG. 1. The purpose of the internal wall member 58 isto separate the cylindrical tank into a chemical supply portion 51 and ahydraulic fluid supply portion 52. The chemical supply portion 52 isprovided with a chemical input port 53 having a readily removable covermeans 54 provided with conventional securing means (not shown) forsecuring the cover to the chemical input port 53. Referring now to FIGS.1 and 3, the chemical supply means includes a chemical supply pump 55which is supported on a rearwardly extended drive shaft of a power takeoff means as will be described in more detail herein below. The chemicalsupply pump 55 includes an input line 56 which is in fluid flowcommunication with the internal area of the chemical supply tank portion51, as shown at 57. An output line 59 extends from the chemical supplypump 55 and is connected in flow communication with a conventionalpressure regulator means 60. A chemical return line 61 extends from thepressure regulator means 60 upwardly to a opening 62 for connecting thechemical return line 61 to the chemical supply portion of the tank 51. Asupply line 63 extends from the pressure regulator means 60 upward to aremote control valve 64 which includes a manual control handle 65detailed for controlling the rate of flow of chemicals therethrough tothe spraying heads. A supply line 66 extends from the control valvemeans 64 rearwardly around the support framework of the trailer vehicleand upwardly along the boom supported means to a series of supplybranches 67 which supply the fluid chemicals to the series of sprayingheads.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 3, the chemical supply means includesa high pressure line 68 which extends from the pressure regulator means60 rearwardly along the vehicle support framework. The high pressureline 68 terminates in flow communication with chemical agitator means69. The chemi cal agitator means 69 includes an elongated tubular memberwhich is supported within the chemical supply portion 51 of the supplytank 50. A conventional sealing connection 70 is provided for supportingthe chemical agitator tube means 69 within the tank means 51. As shownin FIG. 3, the elongated tubular agitator members 69 includes a seriesof axially and circumferentially spaced apertures 71. The apertures 71includes radial passageways which extend into the inside of the tubularagitator members 69. It is apparent that as fluid chemicals underpressure are forced outwardly through the series of apertures 71 thatany chemicals contained in the supply tank around the agitator tube willbe agitated to maintain the chemicals contained therein in a thoroughlyagitated and mixed condition.

It is to be understood that the chemical supply lines above describedare of conventional tubular means and the connecting members are ofconventional construction which will allow fluid chemicals to flowtherethrough to accomplish the above described spraying operation. Thechemical supply pump 55 described herein above and illustrated in FIGS.1 and 3 is of conventional construction which is capable of developing asupply of fluid chemical under pressure.

BOOM SUPPORT MEANS The function of the boom support means is to providea supporting mechanism for a series of spraying heads whereby thespraying heads can be moved from a retracted inoperative position fortransport to an operative position elevated above the support vehiclefor a spraying operation. As shown in FIG. 1, 2 and 4 the boom supportmeans includes an elongated element which is pivotally connected to theboom support brackets 37, 38 by a pivot pin 10]. One end of the boom 100is provided with a counter weight means 102 which is detailed in weightto help counter balance the weight of the extended end of the boom withspraying heads mounted thereon whereby the boom can be easily movedbetween its operative and inoperative positions. An opening 104 isprovided in the boom 100 at a position spaced from the boom support pin101. The opening 104 is detailed for receiving the locking pin 42 formaintaining the boom in a locked inoperative position during transport.A pair of locking brackets 103 (only one of which is shown) is providedon the elongated boom member on an opposite side of the pivot pin 101from the opening 104. The locking brackets 103 are provided with alignedopenings 105 for receiving the locking pin 45 to lock the boom in anelevated upright operative position during a spraying operatron.

As shown in FIG. 4, the boom 100 is constructed of a series ofsubstantially rectangular shaped tubular members. Two of the tubularmembers 106 are detailed to serve as supply conduits for supplying asource of hydraulic fluid under pressure to a rotatable motor drivemeans of a spraying head which will be described herein below. The mainsupport boom member and the two boom supply conduits are connectedtogether by conventional means to fonn a boom supporting structure. Thesupply conduits 106 are detailed in size relative to the size of theelongated boom 100 member to provide the necessary strength to supportthe spraying heads in their proper positions. The use of the supplyconduits 106 as a structural part of the boom supporting means 100 willeliminate the necessity for having a series of hose supply meansattached thereto. The use of the supply conduits 106 for transferringthe hydraulic fluid pressure reduces the risk of damage to conventionalhydraulic hose material which would normally be attached thereto in aconventional hydraulic delivery operation. A series of spraying heads110, the details of which will be described herein below, is supportedfrom the boom member 100 by means of an elongated plate member 111. Theplate members 111 are attached to the boom means 100 in spacedrelationship by means of conventional connecting bolts 112. Supported onthe extended end of the plate members 111 is an angle supporting bracket113. Angle bracket 113 is adjustable about an axis substantiallytransverse to the axis of the elongated boom member by means of a pivotbolt 114 which extends through an opening in the angle bracket 113 andplate member 111. An arcuate shaped opening 116 (as shown in FIG. 12) isprovided for receiving an adjustable connection bolt 115 for locking thespraying head and support bracket 113 in a selected adjusted position.Angle bracket 113 is provided with a mounting surface 117 which isdetailed for supporting a spraying head consisting of a hydraulic motor120, a dispensing nozzle 150, a diffusion member 160 and a rotaryimpeller means 180, the details of which will be described herein below.

SPRAYING HEAD The function of the spraying head is to receive a supplyof fluid chemicals under pressure, dispense the chemicals into adiffusion chamber, develop a blast of air pressure around saiddiffusionchamber for forcing the droplets of chemicals into a diffusedarray of fog-like air containing chemicals in a radially and axiallyextended direction therefrom. Referring now particularly to FIGS. -9,the spraying head 110 includes safety guard means 190 which is detailedfor surrounding the rotary impeller means to prevent damage thereto. Thesafety guard means 190 includes a series of radially projecting bracemembers 191. One end of the brace members is fixed by conventional meanssuch as welding to the mounting surface 117 of the angle support bracket113. Each of the radially extending brace members 191 includes a formedend portion 192 extending at substantially right angles away from thebrace members 191. Supported on the formed end portions 192 is anannular rim 193. The rim 193 is substantially circular in configurationand is supported coaxially relative to a rotary impeller means as willbe described herein below. As shown in FIG. 1, a series of bracingelements 194 extend between the radially extending members 191 at adistance radially spaced from the supporting surface 117 of the angularsupport bracket 113.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting surface 117 of the angular supportingbracket 113 includes a series of openings 195 which are detailed toreceive a series of threaded connector 8 elements 196 for attaching ahydraulic motor means 120 to the underside of the mounting surface 117.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 6, the hydraulic motor means 120 willbe described with reference to a motor housing having a fluid input,output support means 121, a driving portion 122, and a cover portion123. The cover portion 123 includes a series of openings for receivingthe threaded connector elements 196 for attachment of the hydraulicmotor to the angle mounting bracket 113 as indicated herein above.Extending through the cover portion 123 is an opening 126 detailed forreceiving a rotary impeller supporting sleeve 142, as will be describedherein below. The driving portion 122 of the hydraulic motor includes afirst cylindrical chamber portion 127 detailed for rotatably supportinga first driving gear 128. Extending through the driving'gear 128 is anopening 129 coaxially arranged relative to the rotational axis of thedriving gear 128. As shown in FIG. 6, the driving gear 128 includes keymeans 130 for supporting the driving gear 128 in nonrotational drivingrelationship relative to the rotary impeller sleeve member 142. Disposedimmediately below the first cylindrical chamber 127 as shown in FIG. 6is a second cylindrical chamber 131. The second cylindrical chamber 131is detailed for rotatably supporting a second drive gear 132 the seconddrive gear 132 includes a stud-shaft 133 which has extending endsadapted to be rotatably supported in the cover portion 123 and input,output portion 121. The driving portion of the hydraulic motor meansincludes an input port 134 located immediately adjacent the first andsecond cylindrical chamber means and at a point for directing a supplyof hydraulic fluid under pressure to the emeshing teeth of the first andsecond gear members and at a direction substantially transverse to therotational axis of the two gear members. Located in the driving housing122 in direct transverse alignment with the point opposite the emeshingteeth of the first and second gear members is an output port 135 whichis detailed for allowing the fluid under pressure to be exhausted fromthe gear drive means.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the hydraulic motor fluid input, output portion121 is provided with a pair of parallel arranged openings 136, 137.Opening 136 is detailed for receiving a stud-shaft 133 of the secondgear member 132. The opening 137 is detailed for receiving the rotatablysupported sleeve 142 which extends through the input, output portion121, through the driving portion 122, through the cover portion 123 andextends therefrom to support the rotatable impeller 180 as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

The sleeve 142 includes a threaded end portion 143 and a notchedkey-slot means 144 extending longitudinally along the outer surface ofthe sleeve for receiving the key 130 of the driving gear 128. The sleeve142 is maintained within the hydraulic driving motor 120 by means of amounting block 145 which is attached to the rear side of the fluid motorinput, output portion. The mounting block 145 includes a pair ofopenings 146 detailed for receiving conventional threaded connectingmeans for attaching the mounting block to the motor input, outputportion 121. Sleeve 142 is connected to the mounting block forrotational non-axial movement by conventional means (not shown). Acentral opening 147 is formed in the mounting block 145 to be coaxialwith the passage of the sleeve 142 to allow the dispensing nozzle 150 tobe inserted therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 7-9, the dispensing nozzle 150 is supported in themounting block 145 by a conventional threaded connecting bushing 151which includes complimentary threads for receiving a conventionalconnector element 152 for attaching a fluid chemical supply linethereto. The dispensing nozzle extends upwardly through the sleevemember 142 as shown in FIG. 3 and projects upwardly beyond the extendedend of sleeve 142. Nozzle 150 includes a closed end and a series ofdispensing orifices. The dispensing orifices are detailed to include afirst set having two pairs of transversely aligned orifices 154, 155 anda second set having two pairs of transversely aligned orifices 156, 157.As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawing, the first set of aligned pairsof orifices 154, 155 are axially spaced relative to the second set ofaligned pairs of orifices 156, 157. Each of the sets of orifices 154,155 and 156, 157 are detailed to include flow passageways. Thepassageways of the orifices which are spaced closest to the closed endof the nozzle are formed of one diameter and the orifices which arespaced further from the closed end of the nozzle are formed of a seconddiameter. The orifices having the second diameter are detailed indimension to be larger than the orifices having a first diameter. Theorifices of the first set 154, 155 are angularly displaced substantially190 relative to the second set of orifices 156, 157. Referring nowparticularly to FIGS. 8 and 9 it is clearly shown that the axial passageof each of the above identified orifices are formed in the surface ofthe nozzle such that the axis of the orifices is angularly disposedrelative to the longitudinal axis of the orifices and wherein theangularly disposed axis of the orifices are directed away from theclosed end of said nozzle and towards the rotary impeller means 180.

As shown in FIGS. and 7, each of the spraying heads includes a rotaryimpeller means 180. The rotary impeller means 180 includes a centralflat portion 181 detailed for supporting the dispensing and diffusionchamber 160, as will be described hereinbelow. Extending radiallyoutward from the impeller central portion 180 are a pair of impellerblades 182, 183. The impeller blades 182, 183 are detailed and designedsuch that when rotated they will create or develop an orbital stream ofradially and axially flowing air pressure. The impeller 180 is providedwith a conventional threaded bushing 184 fixed thereto by conventionalmeans (not shown) and includes an opening 185 having threadscomplimentary to the threads of the threaded end of sleeve 142. Thebushing 184 is threaded on the sleeve threaded portion 143 and is lockedthereon by means of a locking nut 186. Thus, it can be seen thatrotation of the sleeve 142 will effect a corresponding rotation of theimpeller means 180.

The dispensing and diffusing chamber 160 includes a bottom plate 161having a substantially circular flat surface 162 with an up-turnedflange portion 163. Spacer means 164 is supported on the bottom plate161 and includes two annularly rim portions 165, 166 held in axiallyspaced relationship by means of integrally formed elements 167. A coverplate 168 is provided to overlie the annularly rim 168 of the spacermeans and includes a down turned flange portion 169, as shown in FIG. 7Supported around the spacer element 164 is a cylindrical screen element170. Screen 170 includes a network of finely spaced openings extendedtherethrough for allowing the droplets of fluid chemicals dispensed tobe directed outwardly by centrifugal force therethrough into the orbitalstreams of arr pressure.

The above described dispensing and diffusing chamber is maintained inplace on the central flat portion 181 of the rotary impeller means 180by means of a series of connecting bolts 171 which is detailed to extendthrough a series of openings 172 in the cover 168 and bottom plate 161,and which extends through complimentary openings in the circular flatportion 181 of the rotary impeller 180. The connecting bolts 171 aremaintained in place thereon by a series of complimentary connectingnuts. As shown in FIG. 7, the assembled diffusion and dispensing chamberis detailed such that the up turned flange portion 163 and the downturned flange 169 surrounds opposite ends of the cylindrical screenelement 170. This will insure that the screen element 170 is maintainedin a proper position on the rotary impeller head. The screen member 170is preferably a perforated web or wire screen which separates the liquidinto finely divided form.

HYDRAULIC DRIVE MEANS As shown in FIG. 1, the hydraulic drive meansincludes a hydraulic pump 200 supported by a series of conventionalconnector elements 201 to a support bracket 202. Support bracket 202 isfixed to the draft means 25 by conventional means, such as welding, andis detailed to project outwardly therefrom whereby the hydraulic pumpwill be off-set from the longitudinal axis of the draft means. Thehydraulic pump 200 is of conventional construction and is driven bymeans of a shaft 203 which extends forwardly therefrom, as shown inFIG. 1. Shaft 203 is connected by conventional universal connection 204to a telescoping drive shaft 205. The telescoping drive shaft 205includes a second universal connection 206 having an adapter elementwhich will permit the connection of the drive shaft and universal pointto a conventional power take-off of a tractor means.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the hydraulic pump 200 includes a highpressure out-put line 207, and a low pressure input line 208. The lowpressure input line 208 communicates in flow communication with thehydraulic reservoir 52 provided as an integral portion of the supplytank 50a. The hydraulic reservoir 52 includes an input port means 211which will allow the readily replacement of hydraulic fluid thereto asrequired. A pressure gauge and pressure regulator is of conventionalconstruction and need not be described in detail herein. Extendingrearwardly from the pressure regulator 213 is a hydraulic supply line214 which extends along the trailer support frame and terminates at aposition slightly below the boom connecting bracket 37, 38 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. A flexible hose 215 is connected to the terminating endof the supply line 214 and has an opposite end which is in flowcommunication with one of the hydraulic supply conduits 105, 106provided on the boom structure as described hereinabove. The hydraulicfluid is transferred from the boom supply conduits by means of flexiblebranch supply lines 217 which are adapted to be connected thereto byconventional means. An opposite end of the branch supply line 217 isconnected to the hydraulic motor means as shown in FIG. 5.

Each of the spraying heads is provided with a flexible hydraulic fluidreturn hose 218 which has an opposite end connected to a second one ofthe boom supply conduits 106. The hydraulic fluid from the boom supplyconduit 106 is returned by a flexible hose 119 connected in flowcommunication with a hydraulic fluid return line 221 as shown in FIG. 3.The return line 221 terminates into a hydraulic fluid filter means 222supported on the front of the tank means as shown in FIG. 1. The filtermeans 222 is of conventional construction for filtering undesirableresidue from the hydraulic fluid to insure a continued reliableoperation of the hydraulic pump and motor means. The hydraulic fluid istransferred from the filter means 222 by a flow connection 223 with thehydraulic reservoir. A branch hydraulic fluid flow line 224 is connectedbetween the pressure regllator 213 and the filter means. As statedhereinabove the hydraulic supply lines including flexible hose, supplyand return conduits and connectable means therefor are of conventionalconstruction which will allow the readily flow of hydraulic fluidtherethrough. It is pointed out that the speed of the hydraulic drivingsystem can be varied by varying the speed of the power take-off drivemeans delivered from a tractor to the hydraulic pump 200. By varying thespeed of the hydraulic pump, the air pressure created by the rotaryimpeller means can be changed to adapt the spraying heads for varioustypes of chemical spraying operations. A requirement for varying thespeed of rotation of the rotary impeller means would be determined bythe particular type of chemical being sprayed and by the type of foliageon which the spray application is to be applied.

FIRST MODIFICATION In some types of chemical spraying operations, theuse of a modified system includes means for attaching the sprayingsystem to a conventional three point connecting means of a supportvehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 12, the modified support means for a spraying systemincludes a base frame 250 having a pair of fore and aft runners 251,252. A pair of transverse tank support members 253, 254 is secured tothe top of the fore and aft runners 251, 252 in space relationship anddetailed to provide a proper base of support for a chemical supply tank257. The forward end of each of the fore and aft support members 251,252 includes a detailed end portion 255, 256 designed for receiving aconnecting element, such as a conventional pin means for attaching thebase support means to the two bottom hitch members of a conventionalthree point hitch. The supply tank 257 is maintained in place on thebase support frame means by a pair of retaining bands 258. Each of theretaining bands 258 includes a first portion 259 having one endconnected to the transverse support member 254 by means of conventionalconnecting bolts 250. Each of the retaining bands 259 extends upwardlyover the supply tank and terminates at a point spaced vertically upwardfrom the pair forwardly extending connector elements 255, 256. Theforward terminating end of each of the retaining bands first portions259 is connected by bolts 261 to a transverse connecting member 262.Each of the retaining bands 258 includes a second portion 263 extendingfrom the transverse connecting member 262 down around the supply tank257 and is connected on a opposite end to the second transverse framemember 253 by conventional means (not shown). The transverse connectingmembers 262 includes a for-wardly projecting bracket 264 locatedsubstantially intermediate the ends thereof. The bracket 264 is detailedin design to provide a detachable connecting element for attachment tothe top link of a conventional three point hitch, whereby the modifiedspray support systems can be supported on a vehicle as above described.

The support band 258 as shown in FIG. 12 includes a forwardly projectingsupporting arm 265 detailed to provide a support means for the remotecontrols which operate the hydraulic pump and chemical pressure meansfor the spraying system as will be described herein below.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 10 and 11, the modi-fied spraysupporting system includes a pair of vertically oriented supportstandards 266, 267 connected to a rearwardly extending end of the pairof fore and aft runners 251, 252 respectfully. A pair of brace members268, 269 is connected at one end of each of the retaining bands 258 andextends rearwardly for connection to the standards 266, 267. Each of thestandards 266, 267 is provided with a series of vertical space openings270 for supporting a spray head support means in a plurality ofvertically spaced positions.

As shown in FIG. 11, the spray head support means includes a pair offore and aft support arms 271, 272 connected adjacent there forward endto vertically extending mounting brackets 273, 274, respectfully. Eachof the mounting brackets 273, 274 include space opening 275, 276 forreceiving suitable connecting bolts for attaching the mounting bracketsin select positions on the verticle standards 266, 267. Brace means 277,278 is connected in angularly disposed relationship between the supportarms 271, 272 and mounting brackets 273, 374, respectfully for providingsupporting strength to the rearly projected end of the supporting arms.The two supporting arms and mounting brackets are connected in laterallyspaced relationship by means of a cross connecting bar 279. The bar 279is detailed in length to provide a correct spacing between the arms 271,272 for proper alignment with the vertically oriented standards 266,267. The rearly projecting ends of each of the support arms 271, 272 isprovided with a mounting plate 280 fixed thereto by conventional means,such as welding, to provide a substantially horizontal flat supportingsurface for the spray head angle mounting bracket 113. Each of theplates 280 includes an opening 281 for receiving a pivot bolttherethrough for securing the spray head mounting bracket to themounting plate 281. Also provided on the plate 280 is an arcuate shapedslot 283. The slot 282 is coaxially located relative to the pivotopening 281 whereby a second securing bolt can be inserted therethroughfor holding the spray head mounting bracket in various angularlydisposed adjusted positions.

From the above description of the modified support means of a sprayingsystem, it is apparent that the support means will provide a rigidsupporting system for a chemical supply tank and a series of sprayingheads. Further it is apparent that the spraying heads are supported onthe supporting means in such a manner that the spraying heads can bemoved to a selected one of a series of vertically spaced positions.Further, each of the spray heads are supported for adjusted about asubstantially vertical axis to dispose each of these spraying heads at aselected angularly disposed position.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 13 and 14, the spraying system foruse on the modified support means includes a tank for supporting thehydraulic fluid and chemicals, a hydraulic driving system, and achemical pressure dispensing means, all

of which are similar to the corresponding components as described inregard to the spraying system illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. Therefore, thesame reference characters have been applied to the corresponding partsillustrated in FIGS. 10-12 and reference is made to the abovedescription of the various parts for the details of construction.

SECOND MODIFICATION In various types chemical spraying operations it isdesirable to spray the chemicals over a very wide area such as inapplying pesticides to certain crops grown in the field. For thisreason, it is necessary to support the spraying heads in a laterallyspaced position over a relative wide area. The first two spray systemsupporting means above described do not lend themselves to thisparticular type of operation.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 15-17 still another spray systemsupport means is provided for use in supporting a series of sprayingheads in laterally spaced relationship. FIG. 16 shows a transversesupport mast 300 which is provided with conventional connectable means(not shown) for attaching the spraying mast to a vehicle fortransporting the spraying system over the crops to be sprayed. Theparticular supporting vehicle illustrated in FIG. 15 is of aconventional type supporting vehicle which is known in the art as-aMy-Boy tractor. The supporting mast 300 is provided with a pair ofvertically spaced horizontal range support members 301, 302. Fixed toopposite ends of the members 301, 302 or vertically extending elements303, 304 connected thereto by conventional means, such as welding, tomaintain the horizontal members 301, 302 in vertically spacedrelationship. A pair of spray heads support means 305, 306 are shown inFIG. 16, each of which includes a vertically oriented member 307 and aprojecting horizontal supporting member 308. Conventional connectingbolts 309 are provided for attaching the horizontal support element tothe vertically spaced members 301, 302. The projected end of thehorizontal support members 308 are provided with a spray head supportingplate 310. The plates 310 are provided with pivot openings 311 andarcuate slots 312 for adjustably supporting a spraying head thereon asdescribed herein above.

Mounted on opposite ends of the support mast 300 is a pair of laterallyprojecting boom structure 313, 314. Each of the lateral supporting boomsincludes a truss like structure having an upper frame member 315.Connected to an extended end of the upper frame member 315 is an angleframe member 316 which extends downward toward the bottom of mast 300.The frame members 315, 316 are maintained in proper angular relationshiprelative to each other by a series of vertically connecting elements317, 313, and 310. A pair of angle brace members 320, 321 are connectedto the upper and lower frame members 315, 316 between the verticalextending elements 317319, as shown in FIG.. 15. The lateral extendingbooms 313, 314 includes a second angle frame member 322 detailed to besubstantially do-planer with the first angle frame member 316. Thesecond angle frame member 322 is connected to the lower frame member 316adjacent the extended end thereof and extends inwardly in an angularlyrelationship. The inwardly spaced ends of the two frame members 316, 322are maintained in space relationship by means of a fore and aftconnection bar 322. Angle members 316, 322 provides a dual function of,adding rigidity and support to the laterally extending booms 313, 314and also serve a hydraulic fluid flow conduits for transferringhydraulic fluid to a spraying head motor drive means mounted on anextended end thereof. It is pointed out that the above described trusssupport members which make-up the laterally extending booms are ofconventional tubular metal stock members connected together byconventional means such as welding. The inwardly spaced ends of each ofthe laterally extending boom members 313, 314 are pivotally supported onthe vertical mast 300 by a vertically extending pivot shaft 324 whichextends through the two vertically extending elements 303, 304 as shownin FIG. 16. The upper end of the pivot shaft 324 is connected to aninwardly extended end 325 of the boom upper frame member 315.

A releasable holding mechanism is provided between the vertical supportmast 300 and a lower end of the boom structures 313, 314. The releasableholding means includes a first rotatable element 326 rotatably supportedin a downwardly projecting end of the pivot shaft 324. The rotatablemember 326 includes a connecting bracket 327 which terminates in a yoketype pivot support means, including a pair of pivot support members 328,329. The pivot support members 328 and 329 are pivotally attached to theinwardly extended end of the lower frame member 315, by means of a foreand aft pivot bolt 330. Spaced on the pivot shaft 324 immediately abovethe rotatable member 326 is a second rotatable member 331. Rotatablemembers 326, 327 are maintained in a position on the pivot shaft 324 bya compression spring 332 and a threaded connected element 333. Thus, itis seen that the two rotatable members 326, 327 are biased togetheragainst the under side of the vertical mast member 302. As shown in FIG.16 the first rotatable member 326 includes an upwardly projectingcamming portion 334 detailed to be releasably held within acomplimentary recess portion 335 on the second rotatable member. Thecompression spring 332, first rotatable member with cam means 334 andsecond rotatable member with recess notched portion 335 will provide areleasable holding means for maintaining the boom means in a laterallyextending position, but will allow the laterally extending booms topivot about the shaft 324 to move inwardly in response to apredetermined amount of pressure being applied to the laterallyextending boom. Each of the laterally extending booms 313, 314 areprovided with power means for moving the booms from the laterallyextending operating position, inwardly to a substantially fore and afttransport position. The power control means includes a hydrauliccylinder 337 which is connected adjacent one end to a mounting bracket338 fixed to the bottom mast connecting member 302. The cylinder 337 isconnecting to the mounting bracket 338 by a readily removable pinelement 339 which will allow the cylinder 337 to be easily removedtherefrom as desired. The cylinder 337 includes a conventional pistonrod 340 which has an extended end connected to an extending ear portion341 on the second rotatable member 331. The hydraulic cylinder 337includes conventional input output hydraulic supply lines for effectingoperation of the hydraulic cylinder 337. Operation of the cylinder 337will cause the piston rod 340 to reciprocate therein to provide movementof the laterally extending boom about the pivot shaft 324 to either movethe boom from a laterally extending position inwardly to a fore and aftposition or to move a boom from an inward fore and aft position to alaterally extending position.

As shown in FIG. 17, the fluid'chemical supply system and the hydraulicmotor drive means is slightly different from the above described fluidchemical and hydraulic handling system. The chemical supply systemincludes a tank 350 and the hydraulic system includes a tank 351. Fluidchemicals are delivered from the tank 350 by a supply line 352 to aconventional pump 353 which will develop a predetennined amount ofpressure and transfer the fluid pressure along line 354 to a pressureregulator valve 355. The fluid chemicals are then transferred along asupply line 356 to a series of branch lines 357 which are connected toconventional valve control means 358. It is pointed out that independentvalve means are provided for each of the spraying heads illustrated inFIG. 17. The fluid chemicals from the valves 358 are transferred alongsupply line 353 which extend along the frame work of the mast and boomsupporting structure to deliver the fluid chemicals to the sprayingheads 110. The spray heads 110 used in the spraying system of FIGS.15-17 are identical to the spraying heads utilized and described hereinabove in previous embodiments. An over capacity line 360 is providedbetween the pressure regulator means 355 and the supply tank 350 forreturning an over flow of fluid chemicals to the supply tank. As shownin FIG. 17 a fluid agitator line 361 is provided for transferring aportion of the fluid chemicals from each of the controlled valve 358 toan elongated agitator 362 for agitating the fluid chemicals containedwithin the supply tank 350. The agitator 362 is identical to theagitator 114 as described herewithin above.

OPERATION The operation of the spraying system illustrated in FIGS. 1-9is begun by hitching the trailer 10 to a towing vehicle by insertion ofa conventional connecting pin through the towing hitch 26. After thehitch mechanism 26 has been connected the power take-off drive of thetowing vehicle will be connected to the drive means, including theuniversal joint 206 and drive shaft 205. Next, the supply tank chemicalportion 51 is filled with the desired chemical to be sprayed and thehydraulic fluid supply portion 52 is filled with conventional hydraulicfluid for use in the operation of the hydraulic drive motor 200. At thebeginning of the operation, the support boom will normally be held in ahorizontal transport position with the boom locked by the mountingbrackets 40 and retaining pin 42. The trailer and spraying system isthen towed to the area in which a chemical spraying operation is desiredand at this time the boom 100 is pivoted about pin 101 until the boom isin a substantially vertical position, as shown in FIG. 2 and at thistime the locking pin 45 is inserted through the openings 44 in theupright frame member and two openings 104 in the boom bracket means 103to retain the boom in the vertical operative position. The drive fromthe towing vehicle is now delivered through the power take-off drivemeans 204-205, etc., to the hydraulic pump 200 and to the chemicalsupply pump 55.

During operation of the hydraulic drive means, the hydraulic fluid willflow along the supply line 208 to the hydraulic pump 200 which willdevelop sufficient hydraulic operating pressure and delivered the samealong the high pressure line 207 to the pressure regulator valve 213.The valve 213 is of conventional construction to allow the hydraulicpressure in the lines to be developed to a predetermined pressure foroperation of the hydraulic motors 122. The desired amount of hydraulicpressure will then flow along supply line 214 supported on the edge ofthe trailer chassis and up along the brace member 35. The hydraulicfluid will then flow through the flexible connection 215 into the supplyconduit 105 constructed as an integral part'of the boom structure 100.After the hydraulic fluid has passed through the supply conduit 105 thehydraulic fluid will then be conveyed along a flexible branch supplyline 217 to the hydraulic motor 122 for operation thereof. The fluidleaving the hydraulic motor will pass along a branch supply line 218 andwill be returned to the hydraulic reservoir along the boom supplyconduit 106, the flexible hose connection 219, the return line 222 tothe hydraulic fluid filter means 222, after which the hydraulic fluidwill then be returned through a connection 223 to the pressure will thenenter the supply conduit 36 for passage into the supply chamber 134. Thefluid entering the supply chamber 134 under pressure will then beconveyed in a direction transverse to the rotatable axis of the gearmeans passage into the exhaust conduit 137 and then into the abovedescribed fluid hydraulic return lines. It is motor 122 can be readilyvaried by adjusting the speed of the power take-off drive means from thetowing vehicle which will in turn vary the speed of the hydraulic pumpmeans 200.

After the hydraulic drive means including the pump 200 and hydraulicmotors 122 have been initiated the spraying operation is now begun bydelivering a supply of fluid chemiadjusted to a predetermined amount forproducing a desirable chemical spraying operation. The overflow of fluidchemicals from the pressure regulator 60 is returned along a conduit 61to the internal portion of the chemical supply tank 51. The desiredamount of fluid chemicals for use in the spraying operation is deliveredfrom the pressure regulator 60 along a supply conduit 63 to a valvemeans 64. The valve means 64 is operated by a conventional manualcontrol handle 65 to allow the fluid chemicals to be conveyed along asupply conduit 66 through the branch conduit 67 to the fluid chemicaldispensing nozzles 150. Fluid chemicals flowing into the chemicaldispensing nozzle 150 will be dispensed into the diffusion chamberthrough the series of orifices 154, 155. Passage of the fluid chemicalsthrough the orifices 1541, 155 of the dispensing nozzle will be directedalong an angle which is chambers 160 will be directed by centrifugalforce out through the diffusion screen member 170. The fluid chemicalspassing through the diffusion screen member 170 will be divided into adiffused array of finely divided droplets of fluid chemicals and will bedispensed into the blast of air pressure developed over the outersurface of the diffusion chamber by the rotary impellar means 180. Theblast of air will then carry the finely divided droplets of fluidchemicals outwardly from the spraying head in an orbital radial path offog-like air containing chemicals. The quantity of fluid chemicals whichare dispensed into the spraying heads can be varied by operation of themanual control handle 65 to alter the fluid chemical output from valvemeans 64.

The fluid chemicals contained in the supply tank chemical properly mixedwith any carrying agent connected by a high pressure chemical line 68 tothe pressure regulator valve 60. Chemicals under the lines 68 into theagitator 69 will be through the series of orifices 71 to create aswirling action agitator member 69.

The operation of the spraying system described as a first modificationand illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 will be substantially in the same manneras the above described first embodiment, with the only difference beingthe mode of transport of the chemical spraying system over the area inwhich the chemical spraying operation is to occur. The spray systemsupport rig illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 is connected to a conventionalthree point hitch structure of a towing vehicle by insertion ofconventional connecting means through the two bottom frame supportmembers 255, 256, and through the upwardly displaced bracket member 264.As shown in FIGS. 13, 14 the spraying system of FIGS. 1014 includes achemical supply means 51, a hydraulic supply system 52, a chemicalsupply pump 55, and a hydraulic pump means 200 which are adapted to bedriven by the conventional power take-off from the support vehicle insubstantially the same manner as described above in the operation of thefirst embodiment. Reference is made to the above described operation ofthe first embodiment for the details of the operation of the sprayingsystem of FIG. 10l4. It is pointed out that the spraying heads which aresupported on the support framework, illustrated particularly in FIGS. 10and 11, are adjustable vertically along the support brackets 266, 267 byconnecting bolts passing through openings 275 in the support brackets273, 274 which are aligned with vertically space opening 70 in the twosupport brackets 266, 267. The chemical spraying heads 110 are alsoadjustable about a vertical axis which extends through the opening 281in the plate members 280. Adjustment of the spraying heads about thevertical axis of the opening 281 is accomplished by rotating thebrackets 113 and connecting bolts 283 within the arcuate slot 282 andthen tightening the bolts 283 in the desiredangularly set position. Itis pointed out that the embodiment described above in FIGS. 1-9 alsoincludes a similar angular adjustment means for the spraying heads 110,however, the details of the adjustment have not been illustrated andreference is made to the details of FIG. 11 for the particular angularadjustment.

The second modification of the spraying system, as illustrated in FIGS.15 through 17, also operate in substantially the same manner as the twoprevious embodiments of spraying system. The main difference of theembodiment of FiGS. 15- 17 is the manner in which the spraying heads aresupported for a spraying operation. The spraying system of FIGS. 15-17is particularly suited for spraying fluid chemicals over a relativelywide area for applying the chemicals to a crop such as cotton, tobacco,etc. The boom laterally extending booms 313, 314 of FIGS. detailed forsupporting the to pivot the booms about their pivot support axis 324 bymovement of the two plate members 331 and 336. It is pointed out theextended end of the boom structure. This releasable holding means isprovided for preventing damage to the boom structure should the boomscontact a rigid object during a spraying operation.

Since the components of the spraying system of FiGS. l 17 including thespraying heads 110 and hydraulic drive means 120 is identical to theoperation to the spraying head and hydraulic motor drive means of thefirst embodiment of FIGS. 1-40 reference is made to the abovedescription of the operation thereof for a detail understanding of thespraying head and hydraulic drive means. lt is noted that the chemicalsupply and hydraulic supply reservoir means of the embodiment of FIGS.-17 is slightly different from the embodiment of FiGS. 1l i and that thecontrol means is somewhat different. However, reference is made to theabove description to the second embodiment for the details of thecontrol means and the supply means.

It now becomes apparent that the illustrative embodiments describedhereinabove is capable of obtaining the above stated objects andadvantages. It is obvious that those persons skilled in the art may makemodifications in the details of constructions without departing from thespirit of the invention which is to be limited only by the scope of theamended claims.

lclaim:

1. In an improved spraying system for use in spraying fluid chemicalsthe improvement comprising in combination:

a. supply means provided on said system for containing a supply offluidchemicals;

b. a rotatable driven spraying head including means for developing astream of directed air pressure and an annular perforated diffusionmember. means on said system for supporting said spraying head in aposition for spraying said chemicals;

d. a dispensing nozzle operatively associated with said spraying headfor dispensing a quantity of fluid chemicals into said diffusion memberto be directed by centrifugal force out through said diffusion memberand into said stream of directed air pressure;

. pressure means operatively associated with said supply means and saidnozzle and detailed for delivering a supply of fluid chemicals from saidsupply means to said nozzle;

. said spray head support means including movably mounted boom structuredetailed for supporting a series of said spraying heads, said boom beingconstructed to include a pair of hydraulic supply conduits, said boomand supply conduits being fixed together in supported relationship suchthat the strength of said boom consists of the boom structure includinghydraulic supply conduits; and

g. said rotatable driven spray heads each including a hydraulic motordrive means.

2. in an improved spraying system for use in spraying fluid chemicals,the improvement comprising, in combination:

a. supply means provided on said system for containing a supply of fluidchemicals;

b. a rotatable driven spraying head including means for developing astream of directed air pressure and an annular perforated diffusionmember;

0. means on said system for supporting said spraying head in a positionfor spraying said chemicals;

d. a dispensing nozzle operatively associated with said spraying headfor dispensing a quantity of fluid chemicals into said diffusion memberto be directed by centrifugal force out through said diffusion memberand into said stream of directed air pressure;

. pressure means operatively associated with said supply means and saidnozzle and detailed for delivering a supply of fluid chemicals from saidsupply means to said nozzle;

f. said spray head support means includes a movably mounted boomstructure detailed for supporting a series of said spraying heads; and

g. said spraying head mounting means including means supporting saidspraying heads for selective adjustment about at least one axis.

3. An improved spraying system as described in claim 2 furthercharacterized in that said rotatably driven spraying head includes arotatable driven impeller means for directing said stream of airpressure and wherein said annular perforated diffusion member includes asubstantially web like cylindrical screen member fixed to said impellermeans in coaxial relationship such that said stream of air pressure isdirected axially over the outer surface of said diffusion member.

8. An improved spraying system as described in claim 3 furthercharacterized in that said rotatable impeller means includes a coaxiallymounted driving member with said dispensing nozzle coaxially mountedrelative to and extending through said driving member and said rotatableimpeller means.

5. An improved spraying system as described in claim 4 furthercharacterized in that said rotatable driving member includes a sleeveextending through said driving member and having one end connected tosaid rotatable impeller means.

6. An improved spraying system as described in claim 5 furthercharacterized in that said rotatable driving member includes a firstgear operatively supported on said sleeve member for effecting rotationthereof, a second gear supported in meshing relationship relative tosaid first gear and fluid pressure supply means operatively associatedwith said first and second gear means for delivering a supply ofhydraulic pressure to said first and second gear means at a pointadjacent to said meshing relationship and in a direction transverse tothe rotatable axis of said gear means.

7. An improved spraying system as described in claim 3 furthercharacterized in that said dispensing nozzle includes an elongatedtubular member having a closed extended end, with the opposite end ofsaid tubular member in flow communication with a supply of fluidchemicals, and wherein said elongated tubular member includes a seriesof radially directed orifices.

8. An improved spraying system as described in claim 7 furthercharacterized in that said radially directed orifices are angularlydisposed relative to the elongated axisof said tubular member, andwherein said angularly disposed orifices are directed away from saidclosed tubular end.

9. An improved spraying system as described in claim 8 furthercharacterized in that said orifices are axially spaced along saidelongated tubular member and wherein said orifices adjacent said closedend are of a first diameter and said orifices spaced from said closedend are of a second and larger diameter.

10. An improved spraying head for use in a spraying system comprising,in combination:

a. an impeller means rotatably mounted on said spraying head anddetailed for developing directed streams of air pressure;

b. an annular perforated diffusion member supported on said impellersuch that said directed streams of air pressure pass axially over theouter surface of said diffusion member;

c. a dispensing nozzle including an elongated tubular member having aclosed end with an opposite end in flow communication with a supply offluid chemicals, said dispensing nozzle including a series of radiallyextending orifices detailed for dispensing a supply of fluid chemicalsinto said diffusion member to be directed by centrifugal force outthrough said annular perforated diffusion member and into said streamsof air pressure;

d. means mounting said dispensing nozzle on said spraying head in such amanner that said dispensing nozzle is coaxial with and extends throughsaid rotatable impeller means; and

e. said rotatable impeller means including a rotatable driv ing membercoaxially mounted relative to said rotatable impeller means.

1. In an improved spraying system for use in spraying fluid chemicals the improvement comprising in combination: a. supply means provided on said system for containing a supply of fluid chemicals; b. a rotatable driven spraying head including means for developing a stream of directed air pressure and an annular perforated diffusion member. c. means on said system for supporting said spraying head in a position for spraying said chemicals; d. a dispensing nozzle operatively associated with said spraying head for dispensing a quantity of fluid chemicals into said diffusion member to be directed by centrifugal force out through said diffusion member and into said stream of directed air pressure; e. pressure means operatively associated with said supply means and said nozzle and detailed for delivering a supply of fluid chemicals from said supply means to said nozzle; f. said spray head support means including movably mounted boom structure detailed for supporting a series of said spraying heads, said boom being constructed to include a pair of hydraulic supply conduits, said boom and supply conduits being fixed together in supported relationship such that the strength of said boom consists of the boom structure including hydraulic supply conduits; and g. said rotatable driven spray heads each including a hydraulic motor drive means.
 2. In an improved spraying system for use in spraying fluid chemicals, the improvement comprising, in combination: a. supply means provided on said system for containing a supply of fluid chemicals; b. a rotatable driven spraying head including means for developing a stream of directed air pressure and an annular perforated diffusion member; c. means on said system for supporting said spraying head in a position for spraying said chemicals; d. a dispensing nozzle operatively associated with said spraying head for dispensing a quantity of fluid chemicals into said diffusion member to be directed by centrifugal force out through said diffusion member and into said stream of directed air pressure; e. pressure means operatively associated with said supply means and said nozzle and detailed for delivering a supply of fluid chemicals from said supply means to said nozzle; f. said spray head support means includes a movably mounted boom structure detailed for supporting a series of said spraying heads; and g. said spraying head mounting means including means supporting said spraying heads for selective adjustment about at least one axis.
 3. An improved spraying system as described in claim 2 further characterized in that said rotatably driven spraying head includes a rotatable driven impeller means for directing said stream of air pressure and wherein said annular perforated diffusion member includes a substantially web like cylindrical screen member fixed to said impeller means in coaxial relationship such that said stream of air pressure is directed axially over the outer surface of said diffusion member.
 4. An improved spraying system as described in claim 3 further characterized in that said rotatable impeller means includes a coaxially mounted driving member with said dispensing nozzle coaxially mounted relative to and extending through said driving member and said rotatable impeller means.
 5. An improved spraying system as described in claim 4 further characterized in that said rotatable driving member includes a sleeve extending through said driving member and having one end connected to said rotatable impeller means.
 6. An improved spraying system as described in claim 5 further characterized in that said rotatable driving member includes a first gear operatively supported on said sleeve member for effecting rotation thereof, a second gear supported in meshing relationship relative to said first gear and fluid pressure supply means operatively associated with said first and second gear means for delivering a supply of hydraulic pressure to said first and second gear means at a point adjacent to said meshing relationship and in a direction transverse to the rotatable axis of said gear means.
 7. An improved spraying system as described in claim 3 further characterized in that said dispensing nozzle includes an elongated tubular member having a closed extended end, with the opposite end of said tubular member in flow communication with a supply of fluid chemicals, and wherein said elongated tubular member includes a series of radially directed orifices.
 8. An improved spraying system as described in claim 7 further characterized in that said radially directed orifices are angularly disposed relative to the elongated axis of said tubular member, and wherein said angularly disposed orifices are directed away from said closed tubular end.
 9. An improved spraying system as described in claim 8 further characterized in that said orifices are axially spaced along said elongated tubular member and wherein said orifices adjacent said closed end are of a first diameter and said orifices spaced from said closed end are of a second and larger diameter.
 10. An improved spraying head for use in a spraying system comprising, in combination: a. an impeller means rotatably mounted on said spraying head and detailed for developing directed streams of air pressure; b. an annular perforated diffusion member supported on sAid impeller such that said directed streams of air pressure pass axially over the outer surface of said diffusion member; c. a dispensing nozzle including an elongated tubular member having a closed end with an opposite end in flow communication with a supply of fluid chemicals, said dispensing nozzle including a series of radially extending orifices detailed for dispensing a supply of fluid chemicals into said diffusion member to be directed by centrifugal force out through said annular perforated diffusion member and into said streams of air pressure; d. means mounting said dispensing nozzle on said spraying head in such a manner that said dispensing nozzle is coaxial with and extends through said rotatable impeller means; and e. said rotatable impeller means including a rotatable driving member coaxially mounted relative to said rotatable impeller means.
 11. An improved spraying head as in claim 10, further characterized in that said dispensing nozzle is supported in coaxial relationship with and extends through said rotatable driving member.
 12. An improved spraying head as in claim 11 further characterized in that said rotatable driving member includes an elongated sleeve having said impeller means fixed to one end of said sleeve.
 13. An improved spraying head as in claim 12 further characterized in that said rotatable driving member includes a first gear operatively associated with said sleeve for effecting rotation thereof, a second gear supported in meshing relationship with said first gear, and a supply of hydraulic fluid pressure means operatively associated with said first and second gear means and detailed in such a manner that said fluid pressure is delivered to said first and second gear means at a point adjacent to said meshing relationship and in a direction substantially transverse to the axes of rotation of said first and second gears.
 14. An improved spraying head as in claim 10 further characterized in that each of said orifices includes an axis of fluid passage and said axes of fluid passage are angularly disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of said nozzle, and wherein said orifice axes are directed away from said nozzle closed end.
 15. An improved spraying head as in claim 10 further characterized in that said series of orifices are axially spaced relative to each other along said elongated tubular member and wherein said orifices adjacent to said closed end are of smaller diameter than those spaced from said closed end.
 16. An improved spraying system as in claim 2 further characterized in that said spraying head includes a rotatably driven impeller means, a hydraulic motor for effecting rotation of said rotatably driven impeller means a hydraulic pump operatively associated with said hydraulic motor for delivering a supply of hydraulic fluid under pressure to said motor means and a reservoir means for containing a supply of hydraulic fluid operatively associated with said hydraulic pump, and wherein said hydraulic reservoir means and said chemical supply means are constructed as an integrally formed tank having a hydraulic supply chamber and a chemical supply chamber.
 17. An improved spraying system as in claim 16 further characterized in that said integrally formed tank is constructed as an elongated cylindrical member having closed opposite ends and wherein a separating wall is provided in said elongated cylindrical member in spaced relationship relative to one of said closed ends for dividing said tank into said chemical supply chamber and said hydraulic fluid supply chamber.
 18. An improved spraying system as in claim 16 further characterized in that said hydraulic pump means and said chemical pressure supply means include remote control means for effecting operation thereof.
 19. In an improved spraying system for use in spraying fluid chemicals, the improvement comprising; in combination: a. supply means provided on said system for containing a supply of fluid chemicals; b. a rotatable drIven spraying head including means for developing streams of directed air pressure and an annular perforated diffusion member; c. means on said system for supporting said spraying head in a position for spraying said chemicals; d. a dispensing nozzle operatively associated with said spraying head for dispensing a quantity of fluid chemicals into said diffusion member to be directed by centrifugal force out through said diffusion member and into said stream of directed air pressure; e. pressure means operatively associated with said supply means and said nozzle and detailed for delivering a supply of fluid chemicals from said supply means to said nozzle, f. said spraying system being mounted on a support framework adapted to be connected to a three point hitch means on a conventional tractor, said support framework including a base frame means for supporting said supply of fluid chemicals, a pair of laterally spaced and forwardly projecting connecting members detailed for receiving connectable elements for attaching said base frame to certain axes of said three point hitch means of a support vehicle, retaining means detailed for surrounding said chemical supply means for maintaining said chemical supply means in position on said base frame means, said retaining means including a forwardly projecting hitch member, said forwardly projecting hitch member being vertically spaced relative to said base frame and detailed for receiving a connectable element for attaching said hitch member to a certain other one said three point hitch means and means operatively associated with said support framework for supporting said spraying head.
 20. An improved spraying system as in claim 19 further characterized in that said chemical supply retaining means includes a forwardly projecting support member detailed for supporting remote control means in a position adjacent an operations platform.
 21. An improved spraying system as in claim 19 further characterized in that said spraying head support means includes adjustable means for supporting said spraying head in a plurality of selected vertically spaced positions.
 22. A spraying system as in claim 21 further characterized in that said spraying head is supported on said support means for adjustment about a substantially vertical axis.
 23. An improved spraying system as in claim 19 further characterized in that said spraying system includes a pair of oppositely directed spraying heads supported on said spraying head support means. 